Administration & Office Staff

Nhu Do - Principal

Principal Nhu Do is a first generation immigrant from Vietnam who lived in Toronto, Canada before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she lives with her husband and two children. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Art History from Dalhousie University in Halifax and York University in Toronto. She earned her Master’s degree in English and Art Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University where she is currently working on her Educational Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership. As a former International Baccalaureate (IB) Teacher and Associate Principal at International Academy, Ms. Do is well prepared, highly passionate, and deeply honored to serve as principal (and lead learner) of WIHI and WIMA. Through her work as an IB Workshop Leader and Advanced Justice Leader, she seeks to promote equity, inclusion, and inquiry through out the school community as she works collaboratively with the caring and dedicated staff, students, and families at WIHI and WIMA. Her mission is to engage and empower students and staff to develop their passions and reach their full potential in order to make our local and global community more peaceful, inclusive, and compassionate.

​Associate Principal Jessica Garcia served over ten years in California public schools IB programming as a passionate social studies teacher. She returned to Michigan in 2013 to serve as one of the founding teaching members of Washtenaw International Middle Academy (WIMA). Ms. Garcia earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Michigan and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at Point Loma Nazarene University. She is humbled to serve both the WIMA and WIHI community as a leader of learning in our dynamic, diverse and inclusive community. Ms. Garcia strives to collaboratively empower students to actively lead from WIMA and WIHI as inquirers, positive role models and inspired life-long learners who create positive change in our local community and world.

​Lambert (Bert) Okma - WIHI Founder

Washtenaw International High School consortium leaders named Lambert Okma, the consultant who has been assisting with the school’s development, as its first principal. Okma was the founder and former principal at the International Academy in Oakland County and currently serves as a member of the International Baccalaureate Organization Governance . The International Academy, the school Okma founded, was recognized by US News and World Report in 2009 as the number two public high school in the United States. After leading WIHI for three years, Mr. Okma is moving on to founding IB schools around the world. He remains on WIHI staff as a consultant to ensure the continued success of the IB program at WIHI.

Dan Giddings - IB Coordinator and Lead Teacher

Daniel Giddings is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.S. in Mathematics and a Chemistry minor along with a M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching. He helped start a small school on the west side of Chicago 10 years ago, and also is a founding member of the WIHI staff. He has taught Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and AP Stats in Chicago. At WIHI he has taught Integrated Math 2, Integrated Math 3, IB1 Math SL, IB1 Math HL, and IB Theory of Knowledge. He helped establish the Student Government, Leadership, and Film Enrichment at WIHI. He is looking forward to continuing to empower both students and teachers in his new position by working to sustain and grow the strong relationships and culture that have been created together at WIHI.

Kelly Cartwright - Enrollment Manager & Business Office

Kelly has the unique privilege of being with WIHI since conception. She handles all things related to admissions and finances, along with helping the office staff and training whenever needed.

She has over 11yrs experience as an Executive Admin. Assistant and several years of managerial and training experience before that. She has also consulted on other IB projects around the globe, including interviewing and hiring teachers for other IB Schools. She is truly excited to be apart of this wonderful and dynamic school. During her free time she enjoys all things water related and traveling, especially cruising. When not at work she can be found at a baseball field cheering on her son, or just hanging at home with her husband and two boys.

Theresa Angel - HR & Administrative Assistant

Theresa Angel is going on her 3rd year here at WIHI where she works as HR and Administrative Assistant for both WIHI and WEOC. Before coming to WIHI she spent 8 years with the Chelsea School District as an administrative assistant and teaching assistant. Theresa has four daughters and her husband is a Middle School Principal. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Ambreen Mooraj - Administrative Assistant

Ambreen Mooraj is a graduate from uni of Karachi in Pakistan. She has completed her Masters degree in Economics. She has over 15 years of experience in teaching core subjects like Math and Science. Ambreen has been a part of WIHI family for more than 2 years now. Her core responsibilities include office administration, student shadows for new students, and providing support for admissions. In her free time she loves to travel and spend time with the family.